Corn production

Cooler-than-normal weather prevailed in the upper Midwest for the first time since the week of May 27 to June 2, ending a nine-week run of exceptionally persistent warmth. However, only scattered showers accompanied the cooler weather, leaving much of the western and central Corn Belt still in desperate need of moisture for drought-stricken pastures, soybeans and immature corn.

In contrast, precipitation totaled an inch or more in much of the Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and eastern Wisconsin. Mid- to late-week rainfall was especially heavy and persistent across lower Michigan, where some totals exceeded 4 in. Meanwhile, copious rains continued in much of the East, further aiding pastures and immature summer crops. In fact, 2-4-in. weekly totals were common from the central and eastern Gulf Coast to interior New England.

Farther west, only patchy showers dampened the Plains, promoting fieldwork but maintaining severe stress on pastures and immature summer crops. In addition, hot weather persisted for much of the week across the southern Plains and the High Plains. Heat also dominated the West, although isolated showers dotted the Southwest and the Intermountain region. In the Northwest, hot, dry weather favored small grain maturation and harvesting.